The 11 countries that produce the most genetically modified crops understand their importance in today’s world. With over 800 million people living in poverty, the need for genetically modified crops has never been greater.
Genetically modified crops are defined as crops whose DNA has been modified in order to give them a characteristic that does not occur naturally in nature. This can allow crops to be resistant to pesticides or herbicides while allowing them to produce more nutrients while others can be made resistant from diseases. Cotton, corn, and soybean are some of the most genetically modified crops. If you want to know which countries are consuming such crops you can read “10 countries that consume the most genetically modified foods.”
Many farmers have adopted modified crops as well because of the great improvement they have seen in growth. In less than 20 years, genetically modified crops will grow by over 200 times. Scientists across the board agree that genetically modified crops are not harmful to health. Despite this, many people in the common public believe the opposite to hold true. The 11 countries that produce the most genetically modified crops know this is not the case. Below are the figures as reported by the International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-Biotech Applications.
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11. Bolivia
Total area of genetically modified crops in 2014: 1 million hectares
The use of genetically modified crops has greatly increased Bolivia’s crop yield, especially soy, which is nearly 100% produced through genetically modified seeds. The Mother Earth law was passed in this country. According to this law, there is a limit as to how many genetically modified crops can be produced in the country.
10. Uruguay
Total area of genetically modified crops in 2014: 1.6 million hectares
Uruguay has also embraced genetically modified crops due to the myriad of advantages associated with it. However, the country has taken notice of how genetically modified seeds can fertilize non modified seeds as well, which has been raised as a cause forconcern. Despite this, the country has approved events promoting modified crops.
9. South Africa
Total area of genetically modified crops in 2014: 2.7 million hectares
South Africa has always been in favor of genetically modified crops, as evidenced by the Genetically Modified Organisms Act of 1997, which was the foundation for the growth of genetically modified crops. It is the largest producer of genetically modified crops in Africa.
8. Pakistan
Total area of genetically modified crops in 2014: 2.9 million hectares
It is one of the largest countries in the world by population, most of which are extremely poor. With agriculture being the historic profession in the county, and most of the Punjab province being extremely fertile, Pakistan has always had the potential to grow genetically modified crops, and it has utilized this potential as well.
7. Paraguay
Total area of genetically modified crops in 2014: 3.9 million hectares
Paraguay is the fourth biggest exporter of soy in the world, and most of the soy produced by the country is through genetically modified crops, which have helped increase the quality and yield as well.
6. China
Total area of genetically modified crops in 2014: 3.9 million hectares
While China is sixth in the list of 11 countries that produce the most genetically modified crops in the world, it’s total production could have been much greater if the public wasn’t so wary regarding the health concerns applicable on consumption of genetically modified crops.
5. Canada
Total area of genetically modified crops in 2014: 11.6 million hectares
The main genetically modified crops grown by Canada include soybean, corn, sugar and canola oil, among the total of 85 genetically modified crops, which can be grown legally in the country. However, the country mostly exports genetically modified crops.
4. India
Total area of genetically modified crops in 2014: 11.6 million hectares
While India has generally been double minded regarding the costs and benefits of genetically modified crops, the new government, led by Prime Minister Narendar Modi has begun to increase the amount of such crops being grown in the country.
3. Argentina
Total area of genetically modified crops in 2014: 24.3 million hectares
With nearly 25 million hectares planted with genetically modified crops, Argentina is one of the leading nations in this regard, mainly producing maize, cotton and soybean with genetically modified seeds.
2. Brazil
Total area of genetically modified crops in 2014: 42.2 million hectares
Despite the Brazilian public being apprehensive regarding the growth of genetically modified crops, the country is still the second largest producer of such crops, backed by the country’s national agricultural institute.
1. United States of America
Total area of genetically modified crops in 2014: 73.1 million hectares
The US has enthusiastically embraced the growth of genetically modified crops, with over 90% of the cotton, corn and soybean produced in the country being some variant of genetically modified crops.
The US easily tops this list of countries that produce the most genetically modified crops.
